School-Centred initial teacher training ( SCITT) courses are postgraduate initial teacher training ( ITT) programmes designed and delivered by groups of neighbouring schools and colleges. They allow graduates to complete almost all of their training in a school environment.
Taught by experienced, practising teachers, and often tailored towards local teaching needs, all SCITT courses lead to qualified teacher status (QTS). Many, though not all, will also award you the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) validated by a higher education institution.
SCITT is a good option for individuals who would prefer to spend more of their training time in the classroom, putting theory into practice and developing confidence through more contact with pupils and other members of staff.
How long does SCITT take?
Courses generally last for one year full-time.
These courses are one academic year running from September to June. Some start earlier; The National SCITT in Outstanding Primary Schools starts in August.
Where can you do SCITT?
There are consortia of schools and colleges running SCITT courses all over England. These groups provide all kinds of SCITT, covering primary, middle years and the full range of secondary subjects. There are currently no SCITTs running solely within Wales. However, some consortia run on the English/Welsh border and may use Welsh schools as part of their programmes. You will usually be based in one school from the consortium – the 'lead school' – while completing teaching practices at others within the group.
What qualifications do you need?
You must have a UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent qualification. Your degree should relate to the subject you want to teach (if primary, that means the core subjects of the national curriculum) – if it doesn’t, you might be able to complete a pre-training course to get your knowledge up to the required level.
You must also have achieved a standard equivalent to at least a grade C GCSE English language and mathematics. And if you were born on or after 1 September 1979 and want to teach primary or Key Stage 2/3 (ages 7-14), you need to have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in a GCSE science subject.
Is there any additional funding available?
Eligible trainees completing SCITT courses in England are entitled to receive a tax-free training bursary of £6-£9,000. The precise amount depends on the subject and course start date.
In addition to funding such as this, you may be eligible to receive taxable 'golden hello' payments (or teaching grants in Wales) worth between £2,500 and £5,000, depending on the subject, after successfully completing your induction period as a newly qualified teacher (NQT).
How do you apply?
In most cases, you need to apply for SCITT courses through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR), although some SCITT providers require direct applications. You are able to apply to up to four different providers, in order of preference. If you are unsuccessful with your first choice, your application will be passed on to your second, and so on.
When should you apply?
SCITT courses follow the academic year, so to start your training in September or October you generally need to apply through the GTTR or directly to the provider during the preceding academic year before.
However, be aware that courses in primary teaching, PE and history are very popular and there is considerable competition for places. In these cases, to guarantee that your first choice of SCITT provider will consider you, you need to apply by the end of November in the year before you wish to train.
For more information about teaching visit - www.tda.gov the Training and Development Agency for Schools